W.O.W. Week of 11/30

Our W.O.W. this week is unique.  We read Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and met a unique character named Gerald (a giraffe) who thought he couldn't dance because he couldn't dance like all of the other animals. In fact, Gerald could dance very well, in a very unique way.  

What is Poetry?

First graders began a unit on poetry today.  We began by reading a book of poems called Loose Leashes, by Amy Schmidt.  Afterward, the class discussed what they think a poem is or what makes a piece of writing a poem.  This will be an ongoing list which things can be added to, or deleted from as more learning and discoveries occur.  

True or False Equations

Students are actively engaged in thinking critically about various equations and determining if they are true or false.  First graders are learning to think about the equal sign as meaning "the same as", and not "the answer is".  

Guest Author Visits First Grade

As a culminating event to our informational writing unit on "How To" books, first graders enjoyed a special visit and demo from one of our very own parents, author Katie Webster.  Katie shared her recently published cookbook, Maple, with the students.  She talked with them about the process she goes through as a writer, the steps that were involved in writing a cookbook (a type of "how to" book!), and the necessity of clear and precise steps for the reader to follow.  Then, Katie was willing to demo one of her very own recipes, to see if her steps and directions would actually work!  She made Maple Sour Cherry Shirley Temples from her new book, and they were delicious!!  What a special treat!  Thank you, Katie!!  Come back and visit anytime!

Being Thankful

We read a book today by Lisa McCourt, called The Most Thankful Thing. We talked about all of the things that we are thankful for and made a list of our top 5. Take a look!!

Dental Health with Nurse B.

We had our second health lesson today with Nurse B. which focused on dental health and the importance of taking care of our teeth.  Nurse B. led the students in a great discussion encompassing all aspects of dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods.  At the end of the lesson, they were each given a tooth care packet to bring home.